That’s right, cannabis compounds may prevent COVID from entering human cells. According to a study from Oregon State University, cannabis compounds, specifically, hemp can help prevent COVID from spreading. This study was announced in January 2022, and has opened up the discussion of what this means for the future of cannabis and the COVID pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way the cannabis industry functions and performs research. What did this specific study find regarding our health against COVID-19?
Cannabis Compounds May Prevent COVID
A study conducted by Oregon State University found that hemp compounds may prevent COVID-19 from entering human cells. This is big news. Richard van Breemen led the research team. Breeman works with the College of Pharmacy, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon’s State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center. Breeman’s research team paired up with scientists at Oregon Health and Science University.
For those who don’t know, hemp is the fiber of the cannabis plant. It’s usually extracted to make fibrous products or food. Hemp extracts and compounds are also added to cosmetic products, lotions, and even dietary supplements. Hemp does not cause you to get high.
Together, both teams found that cannabinoid acids from hemp may help prevent COVID-19. This is because these acids bind to the COVID-19 spike protein, thus blocking its ability to infect people. The two cannabinoid acids that cause this are cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).
“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” Breemen explained. He goes on to discuss how hemp differs from THC compounds. They do not contain the psychoactive ingredients that could impair people from certain activities. In fact, it can be very beneficial to the safety and health of humans, as proved by this study.
Their research demonstrated that hemp compounds were effective against multiple variants of COVID-19. First, it was resistant against variant B.1.1.7. This variant was first detected in the United Kingdom. Second, it was effective against variant B.1.351. This variant first appeared in South Africa. Both are more easily recognized as the alpha and beta variants.
The way these hemp compounds block the virus receptors could open the door to other possibilities. This means it could help treat other viral infections that work similarly. This includes HIV-1 and hepatitis.
It’s great news that this study revealed the possibility of hemp compounds helping to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this can provide relief to our current situation, van Breemen warns about the future. He explains that it’s still possible for possible resistant variants to rise. Regardless, if people protect themselves with COVID vaccinations and take hemp compounds, it should be difficult for future variants to spread.
How COVID Affected The Cannabis Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic definitely had lasting effects on the cannabis industry. This study is a prime example of how far cannabis research has come. Cannabis research has helped the public understand how useful and beneficial.
Regulations and medical legalization in multiple U.S. states have paved the way for these studies. It seems that the U.S. is finally recognizing cannabis as the medicinal plant advocates had been suggesting for years.
Additionally, the sales aspect of the industry has also changed. Here in Southern California, buying weed has become a lot easier with the development of cannabis delivery services. In just a matter of clicks, you can have a couple of grams at your door.
During the first lockdown, many people were required to stay home. This allowed for more time to consume your favorite type of weed. Weed businesses had to adjust to continue providing their customers with quality weed. Cannabis businesses came out on top after 2020 and 2021, with a substantial increase in sales.
Other Studies Show Marijuana Benefits
Other medical studies have shown how effective cannabis compounds are at treating people. First, there are multiple chronic pain patients that rely on the effects of THC and CBD. People with chronic pain may experience this for a multitude of reasons: physical injuries, chronic illnesses, or medical conditions. Similarly, veterans with extensive issues rely on marijuana to treat pain. Not only does it help ease physical pain, it helps with anxiety and depression.
Marijuana helps with inflammation, pain management, muscle relaxation. This is another reason why some athletes treat their bodies with cannabis topicals post-workout. These soothing effects help muscle relaxation and recovery. Although public opinion on weed at a global scale is still tentative, athletes continue to advocate for the use of CBD products.
Lastly, state legalization of weed has been shown to correlate with the overall public state on lung health. Having access to regulated and safe products ensure people aren’t risking their health. As more studies are coming out showing the benefits of cannabis, it’s important for our laws regulations to reflect this. The health of the public is an important issue that must be addressed.
